i searched the forums and couldnt find any posts about instructions on performing a boost leak test, so i thought id post one showing everyone how i performed the leak test on my own car.
Items Needed:
2" PVC Cap
2" Double Sided Rubber Coupling (2" on both ends)
Valve Stem
Air Quick Connection (Female)
Air Regulator (It's not needed, but makes the process MUCH safer)
Rubber Plugs
Air Compressor
Screw Driver
Boost Gauge (optional but very handy)
Here is an example of the finished product. (I put the hose for extra play in the tight area of the engine bay, i had the extra time at work.)
![Image]()
![Image]()
![Image]()
I forgot to take pics while actually performing the leak test so these will have to work, haha.
Steps:
1.) Remove Intake Elbow, and the intake box for some extra room. (if your going to be monitoring the air pressure in your engine via boost gauge then do not unplug your mass air flow sensor when removing the intake box. And if your not going to be using a boost gauge then disconnect your battery cables FIRST, THEN remove your mass air flow sensor.)
2.) Remove rubber line on your intake that is connected to the purge valve(your purge valve is the black circular object located directly to the left of your alternator), and plug the nipple on your intake with any type of plug (i used rubber vaccum caps).
3.)Remove rubber line that is connected to the BACK of the purge valve...this line leads to the intake manifold. Plug the metal nipple coming off the intake manifold, and make sure your plugs are secure. If you do not remove the purge valve when performing the leak test, then it will make a buzzing sound, which could damage the seats of the valve and ruin it.
4.) Install 2" coupling to the intake, and make sure it is secure. Instead of trying to fit clamps on my plugs and couplings, i decided to put zip ties on the end of them to make everything somewhat easier.
5.) Hook up regulator and air compressor to the valve stem on the pvc cap, and turn air compressor on. Slowly let air in with the regulator, and get someone to watch the boost gauge to keep an eye on how much air pressure is in the engine. Be very careful not to put too much air in your engine, as you can damage components. Keep the psi a little higher than what you normally run. For instance, if your going to be running around 15psi...then pump about 17-18psi. Many ppl suggest that you do not exceed 20psi unless you run this amount of psi normally.
Now just listen and spray soap and water on flanges, hoses, intercooler, ect...
Here's some more pics to help out along the way.
![Image]()
Caps i use for plugs
![Image]()
After performing the leak test, i found a HUGE leak at the manifold where i am leaking over half the amount of boost i am suuposed to be making. Going to replace gasket and see what happens.
Items Needed:
2" PVC Cap
2" Double Sided Rubber Coupling (2" on both ends)
Valve Stem
Air Quick Connection (Female)
Air Regulator (It's not needed, but makes the process MUCH safer)
Rubber Plugs
Air Compressor
Screw Driver
Boost Gauge (optional but very handy)
Here is an example of the finished product. (I put the hose for extra play in the tight area of the engine bay, i had the extra time at work.)
I forgot to take pics while actually performing the leak test so these will have to work, haha.
Steps:
1.) Remove Intake Elbow, and the intake box for some extra room. (if your going to be monitoring the air pressure in your engine via boost gauge then do not unplug your mass air flow sensor when removing the intake box. And if your not going to be using a boost gauge then disconnect your battery cables FIRST, THEN remove your mass air flow sensor.)
2.) Remove rubber line on your intake that is connected to the purge valve(your purge valve is the black circular object located directly to the left of your alternator), and plug the nipple on your intake with any type of plug (i used rubber vaccum caps).
3.)Remove rubber line that is connected to the BACK of the purge valve...this line leads to the intake manifold. Plug the metal nipple coming off the intake manifold, and make sure your plugs are secure. If you do not remove the purge valve when performing the leak test, then it will make a buzzing sound, which could damage the seats of the valve and ruin it.
4.) Install 2" coupling to the intake, and make sure it is secure. Instead of trying to fit clamps on my plugs and couplings, i decided to put zip ties on the end of them to make everything somewhat easier.
5.) Hook up regulator and air compressor to the valve stem on the pvc cap, and turn air compressor on. Slowly let air in with the regulator, and get someone to watch the boost gauge to keep an eye on how much air pressure is in the engine. Be very careful not to put too much air in your engine, as you can damage components. Keep the psi a little higher than what you normally run. For instance, if your going to be running around 15psi...then pump about 17-18psi. Many ppl suggest that you do not exceed 20psi unless you run this amount of psi normally.
Now just listen and spray soap and water on flanges, hoses, intercooler, ect...
Here's some more pics to help out along the way.
Caps i use for plugs
After performing the leak test, i found a HUGE leak at the manifold where i am leaking over half the amount of boost i am suuposed to be making. Going to replace gasket and see what happens.
... I found this a few months ago.... 
